Water Rationing Hits Nairobi as Ndakaini Dam Levels Drop

Residents of Nairobi and neighboring counties are bracing for stricter water rationing following a significant drop in water levels at Ndakaini Dam. The Nairobi Water Company has implemented immediate measures, reducing production at two major water treatment plants, Ngethu and Kigoro, by 35%. This move comes as a result of decreased water inflow into the dam, which is the primary source of water for the city.

The reduced production will disrupt water supply in Nairobi and parts of Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos counties. The affected areas include customers of Kiambu, Mavoko, Olkejuado, Githunguri, Karuri, and Oloolaiser water companies, which rely on Ndakaini Dam for their water supply. In response, the Nairobi Water Company has decreased the amount of water being drawn from the dam to conserve the remaining reserves.

The water rationing exercise coincides with a long-standing water shortage in Nairobi, exacerbated by a growing population and increasing demand. In 2018, the city required 760,000 cubic meters of water per day, but only received 525,000 cubic meters, resulting in a deficit of 235,000 cubic meters daily. This shortage has led to residents in some areas receiving water only twice or three times a week, while others have had to purchase water from private vendors at inflated prices.

Ndakaini Dam, located in Murang'a County, was completed in 1994 under the Third Nairobi Water Supply Project. The dam has a capacity to store 70 million cubic meters of water and supplies over 84% of the water used in Nairobi. The water is channeled through a four-kilometer tunnel to the Chania River, then treated at Ngethu and transported to Nairobi via a 90-kilometer pipeline.

The Nairobi Water Company has apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured residents that they will monitor water levels and weather conditions, adjusting production as necessary. However, the company has not specified which areas will be affected by the rationing schedule or how long the measures will be in place. Residents are advised to use water judiciously and follow official announcements regarding supply changes during this period.

The water shortage has significant implications for residents, particularly in densely populated areas. With the current rationing, households may experience further disruptions to their water supply. The situation highlights the need for long-term solutions to address Nairobi's growing water demands and infrastructure challenges.

As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to conserve water and prepare for potential disruptions. The Nairobi Water Company's efforts to manage the crisis and mitigate the impact of the shortage will be crucial in the coming days. The incident underscores the importance of effective water management and infrastructure development to meet the needs of Nairobi's rapidly growing population.

Key points

• Water levels at Ndakaini Dam have dropped, prompting a 35% reduction in production at two major water treatment plants.
• The rationing exercise affects Nairobi and parts of Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos counties.
• The water shortage in Nairobi has been exacerbated by a growing population and increasing demand.